This blog is a collection random musings on the state of general aviation and some of the interesting stories that abound among pilots.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Brazil to Oshkosh

Three RV-10s are sitting at show center at this year's Oshkosh. Their pilots have earned the honor. They flew from Brazil to attend their first AirVenture. It took eight stops and six days, according to Victor Yancovitz, right, a former airline pilot.

None of the airplanes was made by the pilots. In Brazil, companies are allowed to make kit aircraft, and then sell them to customers, Yancovitz says. "Brazil is very strict about homebuilding. In the United States, you can make your aircraft, and go fly. There (Brazil), it's very restrictive. You must be approved by an engineer."

Antonio Nallin's RV-10, which was made in Sao Paulo, features extended fuel tanks. Three 150-liter tanks

Nallin says he likes to upgrade airplanes but doesn't like the idea of flying a light-sport category plane. He previously owned an RV-9 which is considered an ultralight in Brazil. He was the first Brazilian pilot to cruise over the Andes Mountains in an ultra-light five years ago. "It was a great adventure," said Nallin.

"He's a crazy man," counters Yancovitz.

Yancovitz says he's excited about the RV-12 and other light airplanes. "I've flown for 45 years," he said. "Boeings, DC8 , Airbus, everything. I love flying. When I retired I stopped flying commercial in 2001. I have to keep my medical every six months. With the ultralight, it's every two years. All of my licenses have expired -- commercial, ATP, private, they've all expired. Now we have a license to fly ultralights. For me, the smaller aircraft is enough."